Newtowner Represents Third Generation Of Addessi Jewelers

RIDGEFIELD — Kathryn Addessi’s Great-Uncle John began the family’s luxury jewelry business in 1948 in Danbury. And in 1966 her grandfather, Rick, opened a Ridgefield store, Addessi Jewelers, that her father, Wayne, now runs.

Today, Ms Addessi, known as Kate to her friends and customers, represents the third-generation of Addessis to cater to the needs of customers at their 387 Main Street location.

A resident of Newtown and 2010 graduate of Immaculate High School in Danbury, Ms Addessi is taking a year off before college to learn firsthand about all facets of the store’s operation.

“My main focus is helping my aunt, Debbie Addessi-Bush, with appraisals,” she said. “People come into the store to have jewelry appraised for insurance, fair market value, or for estate purposes. Aunt Debbie, who is a Certified Gemologist Appraiser, performs the appraisals, and I take photos of the jewels, type the report, and file it.”

Ms Addessi has gone on buying trips with her dad, and at the store, where her official title is client consultant, she also handles sales to customers and performs other tasks, such as organizing gift-wrapping supplies. And, just as her Aunt Debbie did as a teenager at the store, Kate Addessi cleans the glass showcases and dusts the shelves, too.

“I love to organize our offices and make everything orderly — it’s something my grandfather, who still comes into the store once a week, really appreciates,” she said.

Ms Addessi is also studying to become an Accredited Jewelry Professional and has enrolled in her first course with the Gemological Institute of America.

Her father appreciates her interest in the business.

“We’ve always been a close family and working together is very special to me,” he said. “I am proud of her drive and dedication,” said Wayne Addessi. “Having her in the store takes me back to my childhood memories as well. Each day I look forward to her being here. I think she will learn much from this experience.”

Ms Addessi can be found in the store Tuesday–Friday, but on Sunday and Monday she is involved in another key interest of hers — teaching religion to young children.

“This is my fifth year of teaching religious education at St Rose of Lima in Newtown,” she said. “On Sundays I work with second graders, and on Mondays, when the store is closed, I work with third graders. I love being around children.”

As to her plans for the future?

“I love the business side of working in the store, but I also love the personal side of working with our clients,” she said. “Maybe one day, after college, I’ll be back running the business!”